QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner issued the following statement about Ontario schools remaining closed until May:
“I think everyone understands and supports this decision because our shared priority as a province is to slow the spread of COVID-19.
I want to thank unions, school boards and the Ministry of Education for coming together to ensure that teacher-led learning will continue in some form through the pandemic.
I worry about children with special needs, ESL students, and children from low-income households who depend so much on in-class learning and support. We must ensure this temporary solution does not worsen the divide between privileged and vulnerable students.
I urge school boards to be in close contact with disadvantaged families. And I urge the province to help families with technology access and other special supports so that no student falls through the cracks.”